Condé Nast TravelerOct 15, 2026
15 European Cities That Are at Their Most Magical in Winter
Trade your winter blues for mulled wine and snow-dusted canal houses.
25 things in this story
- Winterlights festivalFestivalThe Winterlights festival transforms Luxembourg City into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets all across the…
- Le Place D'ArmesHotelBest for staying right in the town's main square
- Le Royal Hotel LuxembourgHotelBest for warming up in the spa
- Hotel SimonciniHotelBest for a cozy art-focused base
- Elsewhere
- Toompea HillSightTallinn, Estoniaclimb up for sweeping views of church spires and red-roofed buildings
- Mount PilatusSightLucerne, Switzerlandtake the world's steepest cogwheel railway up
- Park Hyatt ViennaHotelVienna, AustriaBest for a buzzy winter location
- Mount RigiSightLucerne, Switzerlandknown as the “Queen of the Mountains,” for snowy hiking trails
- Rigi KaltbadNeighborhoodLucerne, Switzerlandmineral baths offer a wonderfully cozy contrast to the crisp mountain air
- Renaissance Lucerne HotelHotelLucerne, SwitzerlandBest grand dame in the heart of the city
- Mandarin Oriental PalaceHotelLucerne, SwitzerlandBest for a Belle Epoque palace fit for a king
- Hotel Schweizerhof LuzernHotelLucerne, SwitzerlandBest for a wellness-centric stay
- Winter GlowFestivalBruges, Belgiumcity’s seasonal festival running from November 20, 2026, through February 14, 2027
- Craenenburg CafePubBruges, Belgiumwarm up with mugs of Belgian hot chocolate
- Hotel Jan BritoHotelBruges, BelgiumBest for first-timers looking to stay in the historic city center
- La Clé BruggeHotelBruges, BelgiumBest for a less touristy base
- Dukes' Academie BruggHotelBruges, BelgiumBest for a romantic and central stay
- Schönbrunn PalaceSightVienna, Austriamarket outside
- St. Charles ChurchSightVienna, Austriaadmire the illuminated façade
- Vienna State OperaTheatreVienna, Austriaexperience one of the world’s great opera houses
- Hotel ImperialHotelVienna, AustriaBest for an ultra-luxury stay
- The Hoxton, ViennaHotelVienna, AustriaBest for festive family vacations
- Town Hall SquareNeighborhoodTallinn, Estoniasetting for a beloved Christmas market
- Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph CollectionHotelTallinn, EstoniaBest for a five-star resort near Town Hall Square
- Radisson Collection Hotel, TallinnHotelTallinn, EstoniaBest for a grand city center stay
